Inovatec MachineryThe manufacturer that you need for your small aluminum parts mass finishing.

Polishing Small Aluminum Parts – The Definitive Guide

Aluminum is one of the popularly used metals.

It is used in numerous fields such as the aerospace and automobile industries – just to mention a few.

These parts face corrosion and other factors that weaken them. It is, therefore, imperative to polish them exceptionally well.

Polishing metal aluminum parts is not the most straightforward activity to complete.

That is why in this article, you’ll get the complete aluminum parts polishing guide. You will learn:

• Which mass finishing machines are ideal for mass polishing of aluminum
• Which professionals have recommended polishing media for small aluminum parts polishing
• What practices to employ when polishing small aluminum parts for the best results

Keep reading this article to find out more.

1. What is the best way to polish small aluminum parts?

Now, when polishing small aluminum parts, you need to use mass finishing machines.

These machines make the polishing process less challenging.

Now, there are four primary mass finishing machines that you can use for the polishing process.

The first machine that you can use is the industrial vibratory tumbler.

An industrial vibratory tumbler is a robust machine. It has a powerful motor – that is what makes it strong.

It vigorously shakes its tub to generate friction.

Friction is necessary for the polishing process. Polishing media and the target parts have to rub against each other.

The second aluminum polishing machine that you can use is the centrifugal disc finishing machine.

This metal polishing machine is robust, and it uses centrifugal forces to its advantage.

It has a unique working principle, as you will see later in this article.

The third aluminum polishing equipment that you can use is the centrifugal barrel finisher.

It is a robust metal polishing machine that also uses centrifugal forces to polish your aluminum parts.

It has four barrels attached to a flywheel which spins in the opposite direction of the four barrels.

That design is remarkable as it enhances the polishing process.

The fourth mass finishing machine is the rotary tumbler. It is also commonly known as the barrel tumbler.

It polishes by spinning its barrel at a predetermined speed that ensures that there is a maximum polishing activity.

It also has a unique design. Its barrel is either hexagonal or octagonal.

This unique shape ensures a maximum polishing activity in the barrel.

With this design, parts do not drag themselves at the bottom of the horizontal barrel.

Aluminum polishing compounds are also widely used nowadays. They enhance the polishing process and help your parts become sturdy.

Bottom line:

Mass finishing machines employ different polishing techniques, but you’ll get desirable results at the end of the day.

2. Which is the ideal polishing media for aluminum parts?

Now, when polishing small aluminum parts, you’ll need to use the recommended polishing media.

The polishing media act as the aluminum polishing tools inside the mass finishing machine.

Check this out:

There are two primary recommended polishing media. You’ll need to choose your media based on your needs.

Do your parts need massive polishing action? If yes, you can go for porcelain polishing balls.

Porcelain polishing media is quite rigid because it has elements of ceramic material in it.

It will, however, not abrade your small aluminum parts too harshly. That is what makes it an exceptional polishing media.

Now, the second polishing media that you can use is plastic polishing media.

This polishing media is weaker than porcelain polishing media.

Plastic polishing media is a wonderful choice for parts that do not require massive polishing action.

Synthetic polishing media neither chip nor crack under pressure. It is a wonderful choice to use.

It is also lighter than porcelain polishing media – meaning that the polishing process is completed rapidly.

However, plastic polishing media does not polish to a mirror finish. It does not give the shiny finish that you desire.

Both polishing media types come in different sizes to cater to the dynamics found in the polishing field.

You can use these polishing media regardless of your choice of mass finishing machine.

Unlike the process of polishing stainless steel parts or polishing mild steel parts, you must not use any hard media for tumbling aluminum parts since it can damage the parts.

3. How long does the aluminum polishing process take?

Now, the polishing process should not take too long to complete when you use these mass finishing machines.

Some factors will affect the polishing process duration significantly.

The first factor is your choice of the polishing machine. There are some machines that polish way quicker than others.

For example, a centrifugal disc finishing machine polishes way quicker than a rotary tumbler.

The second factor is the choice of polishing media that you decide to use.

Always remember that porcelain polishing media is more aggressive than plastic polishing media.

Porcelain media is, however, heavier than plastic polishing media.

When you use porcelain polishing media, you’ll be required to use more polishing energy than when using plastic media.

The third factor is whether you want a dry polish or a wet polish.

Nowadays, wet polishing is widespread, and it is recommended. It reduces the risks of denting or damaging your parts.

Special tip:

How you’ll handle your polishing machine during the process will also have an immense influence on the finish.

You need to use the recommended polishing speeds and duration – depending on the degree of polish you require.

Bottom line:

The polishing process does not take long to complete. It, however, depends on how you handle the machine during the polishing process.

4. How can I make my aluminum parts have a shiny mirror finish?

Now, to have that sleek and beautiful mirror finish on your aluminum parts, you’ll use porcelain polishing media.

Also, using aluminum polishing compounds enhances the final look on the surface of your aluminum parts.

Check this out:

You can choose to use either of the mass finishing machines. However, for a faster finish, a barrel finisher solution is recommended.

You can also use the centrifugal disc finishing machine.

All that you’ll need to do is to ensure that you use the recommended polishing parameters.

Plastic polishing media will not give your parts the shiny, sleek look on the surface of your aluminum parts.

You can, however, use it to enhance the final look after polishing with porcelain media.

The primary demerit with this polishing style is that it forces you to polish twice – it is quite uneconomical.

Bottom line:

The ideal polishing media to use is porcelain media.

It will give your parts that sleek and shiny mirror finish that you want.

5. What is the process of polishing small aluminum parts using a centrifugal disc finisher?

Now, when polishing your aluminum parts using a centrifugal disc finisher, you’ll need to be cautious.

The centrifugal disc finisher is an immensely robust polishing machine that can easily damage your parts if you are not careful.

It has a working principle similar to that of your kitchen fruit blenders.

The polishing machine has a disc that spins incredibly fast at the bottom of the polishing container.

Then, the container’s walls are stationary. This design improves the polishing process of small aluminum parts.

When the disc at the bottom starts spinning, it generates centrifugal force.

This centrifugal force can hurl parts and media out of the polishing container.

The stationary walls help to reduce the centrifugal force – the wall acts as brakes.

This design ensures continuity in the polishing process.

This machine also has an inlet compound jet that allows you to control the amount of aluminum polishing compounds during the process.

The jet is an added advantage as it helps you control the amount to be used per cycle.

Excessive use of liquid metal polishing compounds is uneconomical. Further, it does not add any value to the final finish.

6. What are the benefits of polishing small aluminum parts?

When polishing small aluminum parts, there are undoubtedly numerous benefits that you get.

Check out these top three reasons why you need to polish your small aluminum parts.

The first benefit is that polishing helps your parts become more durable.

The polishing process makes your parts durable by getting rid of any corrosive agent on your parts’ surfaces.

The second most straightforward benefit is that it enhances looks on your parts’ surfaces.

The third benefit of polishing your small aluminum parts is that the process gets rid of burrs.

This mini-deburring process is helpful, especially for parts that have undergone die casting, for example, die casting heatsink.

7. What are the advantages of using mass finishing machines to polish aluminum?

The first advantage of polishing small aluminum parts is that you get to clean parts in mass.

These machines allow you to polish many parts in a single cycle.

It is highly beneficial to use mass finishing machines as the polishing process would otherwise be too tedious and boring.

The second benefit is that these machines polish your parts rapidly.

They do not consume a lot of time to complete the process.

The third benefit is that these machines do not alter the specifications or shapes of your parts.

They polish while maintaining the original shape.

The fourth advantage is that mass finishing machines polish even the most intricate corners of your parts.

There are some tough corners to clean, especially if you choose to polish manually.

Such corners would be deemed unreachable.

The fifth benefit is that you get a uniform polish on the surfaces of your aluminum parts.

The sixth benefit is that you don’t have to invest in multiple sets of metal polishing tools for your laborers, one machine is enough to do the job.

Bottom line:

Mass finishing machines are highly beneficial to you. Their downsides surpass their advantages.

These machines are highly economical, efficient, and effective.